With NFL training camps winding down and the regular season fast approaching, it’s that time of year when many remaining veteran free agents finally latch onto a club.
We’ve already seen a flurry of moves in the market recently. Yannick Ngakoue took his edge-rushing talents to Chicago. Justin Houston inked a deal with Carolina. John Johnson returned to L.A. Teddy Bridgewater joined Detroit to back up Jared Goff. And this week, the running back position provided two headline-grabbing signings, with Dalvin Cook landing in New York and Ezekiel Elliott taking his bowl and spoon to New England.
Less than a month before the season kicks off, veteran players dangling on the open market can still aid a club’s playoff quest. Here are ideal team fits for 10 notable unsigned free agents:Clowney visited the Ravens and Jaguars in the past week, two clubs that can use pass-rush aid. I like the fit in Jacksonville, where the AFC South champs are thin behind Josh Allen and 2022 No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker. Clowney is no longer an every-down player, but he can still provide pressure and is stellar against the run.
Kyle Van Noy
The Ravens’ defense got bulldozed by the Eagles in the first preseason game — 271 first-half yards allowed — highlighting the unit’s lack of depth. Second-year linebacker David Ojabo had an up-and-down performance, unable to keep the edge on one third-and-long QB run. Adding a versatile, savvy veteran like Van Noy would immediately help the group. The 32-year-old still has juice in his legs and is an intelligent defender who would fit well in Mike Macdonald’s scheme. The Ravens could also look to add a more traditional pass rusher like Carlos Dunlap or Robert Quinn.
Carlos Dunlap
The Chiefs’ lack of pass rush stood out in their preseason opener, when they were pushed around by the Saints’ O-line. Chris Jones wasn’t on the field, but starters George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu (suspended the first six games of the season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy) could use some help on the edge. It’s a hole we’ve noted all offseason. At 34, Dunlap can still get in the backfield, having netted 27 pressures and four sacks last season in K.C. Adding Dunlap or another veteran presence on the edge seems like a given heading into the season. First, though, the Chiefs need to figure out Jones’ contract to free up some cap space.
Melvin Ingram
Since this list is essentially wishcasting, let’s send another edge rusher to a Super Bowl contender. This is not about Nick Bosa’s deal getting done, but rather providing depth on the edge. Clelin Ferrell looked solid Sunday, netting a sack in five pass-rush snaps, but can the 49ers count on the former Raiders first-rounder to do it for an entire season? Similarly, the Niners expect a Year 2 leap from Drake Jackson, but the jury remains out on that front. Adding a veteran like Ingram would give veteran depth to the group in case some of the young players don’t ascend as hoped. Ingram can still bring pop in bursts (37 pressures and six sacks in 479 snaps with Miami last year, per Next Gen Stats).
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